When I hear the word "adventure" my mind immediately goes to epic experiences that might go so far as to possibly put one's life in danger, or trips so grand that National Geographic should be notified. However, it finally dawned on me after countless hours on a bicycle, wondering which of those miles would amount to an adventure, that I have in fact had many adventures.

It doesn't always take a 20-hour bike ride or a two week tour to achieve an unforgettable memory. Although those rides may make the list, the story of staring blankly at the back wheel of someone else's bike doesn't really come out. And, let's face it, that often tends to be the bulk of those rides. It is really the things that happen that are out of the ordinary that make up the adventure.

So, I started thinking about all the times I've run into the house after a ride, urgently calling my wife's name to tell her about the thing that happened to me…what I saw…about my adventure. The time I held the pieces of my rear derailleur in my hands, completely enveloped in darkness on a closed gravel road a mere 45 minutes from home. The time I cruised comfortably down a gradual descent, with a bald eagle soaring just a few feet away from me at eye level, checking each other's position and sharing the moment. The time I rounded a gravel corner in the middle of Duluth to come face to face with a black bear, ultimately conceding that it was his back yard, not mine.

How many times have I simply stopped a serious "work out" just to look at a sunset so beautiful that I knew I'd never be able to describe it?

It's the things that happen to you on your ride that make it an adventure and they can happen any time, any where. They can even happen on a 90-minute ride to work. Go get yours, you won't regret it.

Tim Ek was born and raised in Duluth, Minn., and still calls it home. He’s always had a passion for competition and seeking his own extremes. Tim's true love is the woods: Out in the wild is where he clears his head and finds his peace, and he prefers getting there by bike.
Tim Ek: The Eki Chronicles, ekichronicles2.kinetic-fitness.com

COMMENTS (3)

cmherron | January 19th, 2011

I couldn’t agree more! I love long “adventurous” rides as much as the next person, but when it comes down to it I feel like there are more memorable moments in the 12-30 mile jaunts that we get to do on a more regular basis. I have experienced gorgeous sunsets, wildlife, unexpectedly wonderful singletrack, beautiful landscapes, and great chases with my buddies, all on our short local rides around Fort Collins, CO. Every ride is an adventure and if your mind is open you will find excitement from the most unsuspecting places and things.
Cheers

Michael King | January 24th, 2011

agreed 100%

I can’t afford to take a month long tour, but an inexpensive overnight trip or even a 40 mile ramble in the country can do wonders for the soul.